Hike Wildcat Peak, CA
Details
Distance
6.3 miles
Elevation Gain
1000 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Gaby Colletta
Get stunning views of Bay Area and Jewel Lake on this well-maintained loop hike.
From Inspiration Point, head toward Nimitz gate. Once you pass through the gate, keep an eye out for Curran Trailhead; this is the trail you'll be starting on. After about 1/8 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue the loop. This part of the trail offers some decent shade as you pass through the Eucalyptus grove.
After 1.5 miles, you'll reach a gate, which signifies the start of the Wildcat Gorge Trail. At 1.7 miles, the path will turn into a fire road as you enter the Tilden Nature Area -- no dogs. As you hike through the nature area, you'll pass several trail junctions with options for other hikes. For this specific hike, stay on Loop Road.
After 2.4 miles, you'll pass Jewel Lake and reach the junction for Wildcat Creek Trail. Head onto Wildcat Creek. After 1/10 of a mile, you'll reach Wildcat Peak Trail. Head onto this trail for the remaining mile and a half up to the peak.
On the return, head down the Wildcat Peak Trail to the junction, then turn left at the junction. When you reach the trail's end at Laurel Canyon Rd. (4.6 miles), follow the sign to Nimitz Way. At 4.9 miles, turn right onto Nimitz Way.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewAmazing
Went a little higher up to experience beautiful green rolling hills with an amazing view of the bay
4.0
Great Hike, Not Pet-friendly
This is a great hike, but is listed as being pet friendly. In fact, as mentioned in the more detailed description, you will go through the Tilden Nature Area, where dogs are not allowed.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.